Foundation News

DISPATCH SPRING 2002

THANK YOU...

In the last issue of the Dispatch we wrote about the financial problems facing the Foundation, and the response has been heartening. We have enrolled some new recruits, and many of you sent in early membership renewals and more importantly, upgraded to the next level or included an additional donation. Several Commanders matched their $250 dues with an additional $250! There has been a healthy response with inquires and some sales of Tom’s work from the inventory that has been put aside for that purpose. We have made progress, such as bringing back our grant writer and the purchase of a new database program to catalog the more than 2,500 pieces in the Permanent Collection.

We still need your help! No matter what your financial situation is, there is always something you can do to help, even if it is only to encourage a few friends to donate, join or volunteer.

- Matthew Blouin, Administrator

ART FOR SALE
We mentioned in the last Dispatch that the Foundation has always made original art by our co-founder Tom of Finland available for sale from time to time. These are works that were in Tom’s possession at the time of his death that he had already put on the market. They include pastels, linocuts, plus several hundred of his preliminary drawings. If you’re interested, please contact us, as the sale of these works assists us in keeping the Foundation office open and operating.

If cost is an issue, consider the last lithograph, seen here, that Tom did prior to his death: “Perfection”. The run was limited to 500, and Tom signed several hundred, which are available at $350. The remaining numbered, unsigned copies are stamped with the Foundation Seal of Authenticity, and are available for $50 each.

MORE SAD NEWS
Shortly before going to press, we learned that two Foundation-affiliated artists from New Orleans passed away. The artist MATT aka Charles Kerbs, died of complications from surgery. And the artist J.B Harter, who has been a generous financial donor to us, was murdered in his home. The Foundation is very saddened by the untimely death of these two great artists.

IS THE FOUNDATION IN YOUR WILL?
The Foundation lost a dear friend when Marcello passed away, but we will always treasure our memories of his larger-than-life personality. We will also treasure three of his finest sculptures, which he and Terry willed to the Foundation.

It may seem crass to discuss wills at such a time, but Marcello’s death provides a textbook example of how advance planning enables someone to see that his wishes are carried out, while benefiting the nonprofit Tom of Finland Foundation.

Over the years, many people have indicated a desire to leave works of art, as well as cash and securities, to the Foundation. While some have incorporated these wishes into their wills, others never got around to putting them on paper, relying instead on heirs to honor their (spoken) intentions.

A few years ago, a longtime member announced he was leaving his extensive – and valuable – art collection to us. But he died before drawing a new will, and – even though they knew his intention – his relatives sold off the collection and divided the proceeds among themselves. Our friend’s wish to preserve his lifelong collection was thwarted.

We urge you to consider adding a bequest to the Tom of Finland Foundation to your will. Whether it is art (which we love), or cash, securities, or real estate (which we need to continue our work), your gift will be gratefully accepted, and will be used to further the Foundation’s mission. And, of course, all contributions are tax-deductible.

We have prepared a brochure to answer all your questions, so please contact us for a copy. Board Member Doug Bedard, an attorney, has volunteered to send any necessary paperwork directly to your lawyer, who will make sure it fits the requirement of your state.

Please help us continue the work of the Foundation, now and forever.

- Durk Dehner, President